Laser Hair Removal in Los Angeles

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Pomona, Beverly Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Apple Valley, CA

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a highly sought-after treatment for individuals who desire smooth and hair-free skin. Unwanted hair can be a source of frustration and self-consciousness, often requiring constant maintenance through shaving, waxing, plucking, and depilatory creams. If you’re tired of these temporary solutions and are seeking a long-term solution to unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be the answer.

At Pacific Med Health Group, Dr. Lee Au, is a renowned board-certified bariatric surgeon with specialties in cosmetic treatments such as laser hair removal. This non-invasive procedure utilizes laser energy to safely and precisely target the hair follicles, disabling their ability to produce new hair growth. The result is smooth, silky skin without the worry of cuts and razor burns from other methods of hair removal. 

To learn more about laser hair removal or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Au, contact Pacific Med Health Group at (800) 555-5551 or reach us through our contact page. Experience freedom from bothersome hair and enjoy long-lasting results you can flaunt with confidence! 

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? 

A wavelength is a unit of measure for light; various laser hair removal devices emit light at a specific wavelength to treat different skin issues, including hair removal. Lasers are designed to target melanin within each strand of hair. Melanin is the pigment within your skin and hair that determines its color. The laser light energy is absorbed by the melanin and it becomes heat energy. The thermal energy then travels to the root of each hair follicle, tiny structures where one or more individual hairs protrude out of the skin. 

All hair follicles contain a hair matrix that is effectively damaged or destroyed by laser energy. This structure contains matrix keratinocytes that produce hair shafts and melanocytes that produce melanin. Due to this thermal treatment process, the hair matrix is unable to produce more hair, or the hair grows back much thinner. (1) 

Benefits

Undergoing professional laser hair removal at Pacific Med Health Group has numerous benefits that many prospective patients may not even consider: 

  • In-clinic lasers are much more effective than at-home devices. (2)
  • It doesn’t require downtime. 
  • Treatment sessions are comfortable; they only require topical numbing cream.
  • Results have been shown to last years. (3)
  • Today’s lasers can treat a wide variety of skin types and hair colors. 

Personal Consultation 

As a highly experienced specialist, Dr. Au will carefully examine the areas of your body where you desire hair removal. He will determine the most suitable laser treatment plan for you using his many years of experience. Dr. Au understands that each individual has different hair types, skin tones, and treatment preferences. Therefore, he will customize your laser hair removal plan to ensure optimal results while minimizing any potential risks. Request your consultation at Pacific Med Health Group today through our contact page or by calling (800) 555-5551 for our locations near Los Angeles: 

  • Beverly Hills
  • Pomona 
  • Apple Valley

Preparation for Laser Hair Removal

It is important to follow preparation instructions closely in order to protect your skin from damage and allow the laser to penetrate the roots of the targeted hair:

  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day in the 4 to 6 weeks leading up to laser hair removal session. The UV rays emitted by the sun can cause damage to your skin and cause it to be more sensitive to laser light. 
  • Refrain from waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams for at least one month before receiving a laser treatment. Removing the entire hair will leave the hair without melanin for the laser to target. 
  • Refrain from bleaching your treatment area since it can be more difficult for lasers to target lighter hair. It won’t render it ineffective, but you may need more sessions than originally expected. 
  • Talk to Dr. Au in-depth about the medications and supplements you are taking. Some medications can interfere with your results. 
  • Let Dr. Au know if you’ve ever had a viral outbreak in the treatment area. He will prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent any outbreak triggered by the laser energy. 
  • Within 24 hours of your appointment, shave the treatment area so that the laser can target the hair matrix without hair shafts in the way. 
  • On the day of your appointment, cleanse the area and don’t apply lotions, makeup, or other products. Wear loose clothing so the fabric doesn’t irritate the skin post-procedure. 

The Fitzpatrick Scale

During your consultation, Dr. Au will also determine your skin type using the Fitzpatrick Scale. This will allow him to further customize your laser hair removal experience so that you can get results in fewer treatment sessions. Research has shown that people with darker skin tend to benefit more from lasers with longer wavelengths. (4) Longer wavelengths are more equipped to target hair melanin while leaving the melanin of the skin unharmed, even aiding in the prevention of hypopigmentation- unwanted skin lightening. Most laser hair removal devices have settings where the wavelengths can be changed. Here, you can get an idea of which skin type you may be: 

  • Type I skin is quite pale and always gets burned in the sun.
  • Type II skin is sometimes able to tan, but it is usually pale. 
  • Type III is able to tan with ease and is light olive-toned.  
  • Type IV rarely gets burned and is olive-toned. 
  • Type V skin rarely gets burned and is brown. 
  • Type VI skin never gets sunburnt and is dark brown or black. 

Laser Hair Removal Procedure

First, Dr. Au will apply a numbing cream that takes 30 to 60 minutes to take full effect. Next, you’ll receive protective glasses so your eyes will be protected from the bright light. Then, Dr. Au will apply the handheld portion of the device directly onto your skin and emit short pulses to each area before moving to the next. The hairs most affected are in the anagen phase- when the hair is in the process of growing. During this phase, there is more melanin deep in the skin and individual hairs are still connected to the papilla, the anatomical structure that gives the follicle access to a blood supply. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes, but it varies depending on the size of the treatment area. 

Recovery 

You should expect to feel and see some irritation from the treatment, but it will subside within a few hours. You’ll be allowed to apply ice for a few minutes at a time, air from a fan, or a cooling gel to the area. Dr. Au will provide you with a steroid cream to encourage faster healing. For the first 24 hours after your treatment, avoid showering and other skincare products unless prescribed. 

You should keep the area clean and sweat-free. For the following 8 weeks, be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you receive your next treatment before the end of 8 weeks, stop using sunscreen and keep the treated area away from the sun. Research has shown that 4 to 6 sessions in total, spaced at least one month apart, is optimal. (1)

Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Los Angeles

The cost of laser hair removal can vary depending on several factors that are unique to each patient. Our esteemed doctor, Dr. Lee Au, is dedicated to helping you with the most advanced laser technology available. At your personal consultation, you’ll receive an estimate for your treatment. Contact us for a consultation at Pacific Med Health Group today via our inquiry form or call (800) 555-5551 for our three locations near Los Angeles.

FAQ

Why are at-home laser hair removal devices ineffective?

At-home laser devices utilize lower amounts of energy, are not FDA-regulated, and are not as versatile as lasers found in a clinic. It can be easy to apply the wrong wavelength for your skin type, increasing your risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Without professional guidance, accidentally causing injury is also a risk. 

Is laser hair removal permanent?

While laser hair removal can lead to a significant reduction in hair growth, it is important to note that it does not guarantee permanent hair removal. However, many patients experience long-lasting results, with minimal hair regrowth. Maintenance sessions every 6 months to a year are usually recommended. 

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Laser hair removal is generally well-tolerated by patients. Most individuals describe the sensation as a mild discomfort or a slight snapping feeling on the skin. The procedure is usually tolerable, but numbing creams or cooling devices can be used to minimize any potential discomfort.

Does laser hair removal work on light hair?

Yes, but you need the right kind of laser to properly treat your blonde or gray hair. Luckily, lasers come in a wide variety of wavelengths that are meant to treat various skin and hair color combinations. However, with lighter hair, you may require a few more treatment sessions than someone who is treating darker hair. 

Can laser hair removal devices cause hyperpigmentation?

If a patient is not careful to avoid sun exposure after their laser treatment, they increase their risk of experiencing unwanted hyperpigmentation in their skin. By applying a high SPF sunscreen suited for your skin type, you can help prevent this unwanted side effect. 

References

  1. Tanvi Vaidya, Dinesh Kumar D. Laser Hair Removal. Nih.gov. Published June 2, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/ 
  2. Hendricks K, Celenkosini Thembelenkosini Nxumalo, Makgobole MU, Ghuman S, Jacobs D, Nomakhosi Mpofana. Evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair reduction using a home use laser in comparison to a Diode laser. PLoS One. 2023;18(5):e0286162-e0286162. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286162 
  3. Russe E, Purschke M, Herold M, Sakamoto FH, Wechselberger G, Russe‐Wilflingseder K. Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Laser Hair Removal With the Long‐Pulsed 755 nm Wavelength Laser: A Two‐Center Study With 948 Patients. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2019;52(1):77-83. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23160 
  4. Ross Edward V, Domankevitz Y. Hair Removal With Blended 755/1064 nm Laser Energy. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2021;53(8):1020-1025. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23381